MAY 23, 2013

NR # 3112

Prohibit racial discrimination - solons

Lawmakers have vowed to push for the approval of a measure that will give utmost protection to the rights of indigenous communities. Reps. Teddy Brawner Baguilat (Lone District, Ifugao) and Tupay Loong (1 st District, Sulu) said the government should prioritize the welfare of indigenous people by enacting a law that protects and enhances the right of all people to human dignity and eliminates social, economic and political inequalities. During the 15th Congress, Reps. Juan Edgardo Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan De Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez (Party-List, Abante Mindanao) introduced House Bill 4807 entitled An Act Prohibiting Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Discrimination, which was approved on 3 rd and final reading at the Lower House. Loong and the Rodriguezes said they would refile the bill in the 16th Congress in a move to remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. House Bill 4807 seeks to strengthen the protection clause on the rights of the indigenous communities as enshrined in the Constitution and Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Right Act of 1997, specifically Section 21 or the Equal Protection and Non-discrimination of ICCs/IPs, and Section 25 or the Basic Services. It mandates the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to prevent or deter the commission of, and prosecute acts of discrimination and provide legal assistance to victims of discrimination. The bill provides for the reparations to victims of discrimination, defines and identifies the acts that constitute discrimination and provides penalties for said acts. It also provides for the creation of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Committee in all agencies, corporations, companies and educational institutions both private and public. (30) sb